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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1996-03-07DAC\1996-03-07 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 7, 1996 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Karen Redman with the following members present: Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Deborah Budd, Denise Strong, Karen Simoneau, Peggy Walshe, David Gowland, Lillian Kehl, Martin de Groot, Lorne Van Mossel and Marianne Wasilka. Others Present: T. Brook Stanley, Sybil Frenette, David Corks, George Borovilos, Terry Boutilier, Lesley MacDonald, Patricia McPherson-Bacon and Grant Nixon 1. OPENING REMARKS Councillor Karen Redman welcomed all the attendants. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - February 8, 1996 Mr. Brock Stanley added a Planning and Development staff report titled "City Initiated Revision to Downtown Zones - Revised Parking Regulations" to the agenda. It deals with parking regulations in the downtown zone. Ms. Nancy Brawley would like to honour an Downtown Award to a downtown resident that the KDBA was not able to honour at the Celebrating Our Successes Event on February 27, 1996. Moved by Ms. Nancy Brawley. Seconded by Deborah Budd. That the Agenda of March 7, 1996 be approved with the above two additions. Carried. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 8, 1996 Ms. Karen Simoneau pointed out a typing error in the minutes. The middle sentence in the third paragraph, Section 5, page 22 should read as follows: "There is a change in mood and approach and there were good positive questions." -32- Moved by Karen Simoneau. Seconded by Nancy Brawley. That the minutes of February 8, 1996 be approved with the above correction. Carried. 4. UPDATE DOWNTOWN ACTION TEAM - Sybil Frenette Ms. Sybil Frenette reported that the Downtown Update Report has been completed. It provides a report on the status of the recommendations made by the Mayor's Task Force last year. Almost half of the recommendations have been completed. The Downtown Development Team is slightly ahead of schedule. The work ahead, however, will be more difficult to accomplish. The Retail Action Plan has been completed and presented by Richard Talbot at the Celebrating Our Successes Event on February 27, 1996. The plan indicates a few districts, each with a focus. The Downtown Development Team and the KDBA feel that the shape of the districts need to be fine-tuned based on local experience. One of the suggestions made in the Retail Action Plan Report is to use "hot buttons" to attract new business to the downtown. Each business caters to a group of clientele with certain socio-economic and demographic characteristics. "Hot buttons" are the specific climate, demographic, social and economic elements that businesses need in order for them to run a successful business. The "hot buttons" vary from one business to another. In the following month, the Downtown Development Team and the KDBA will be arranging meetings with real estate brokers to identify the hot buttons for different businesses and then present those hot buttons to the appropriate businesses. The report identifies three districts--the West Cluster or Entertainment District from; the East Cluster or Farmer's Market District at the east end; and the Central Cluster or Carriage Trade between the two. The Farmer's Market District should and already is emerging on its own as ethnic food stores and restaurants open in the area. Ms. Frenette introduced George Borovilos and David Corks of the Downtown Development Team to the Committee because new members might not have met them. Mr. Martin de Groot expressed his concern about bringing in too many franchise stores which might pose a threat to the traditional local small scale businesses that have been running their businesses in the downtown area for a long time. -33- Mr. George Borovilos responded to the comment. The people that have contacted the Downtown Development Team are mostly local people who are starting a business. Therefore, it is likely that the new businesses that would be starting in the downtown would be local independent stores. On the other hands, brand names are appealing to the suburban populations and they are the ones that attract a critical mass. Therefore, it is important to have both types of stores. Ms. Nancy Brawley added that there are many independent stores that carry brand names. That is another way to attract a critical mass without threatening the local independent stores. Clustering of related businesses often result in a mutual benefit for the stores because it attracts a critical mass. She used the jewellery stores and shoe stores that used to be in the downtown as examples to illustrate that point. Ms. Sybil Frenette echoed Ms. Brawley's explanation that the team is working on information collection to strengthen the existing ones as well as attract new businesses. When asked if the demographic information is accessible to existing businesses, Ms. Frenette responded that David Corks has the information on demographics for the Region and it is available to existing businesses. Councillor Karen Redman asked if there was any mechanism in place to encourage merchants to use the information. Ms. Nancy Brawley replied that the information is available for merchants but there is no mechanism in place to actively encourage merchants to use the information. Putting an announcement in the newsletter is a good idea. Ms. Marianne Wasilka questioned if the Downtown Team has investigated the reasons for the local downtown malls' failure. Ms. Nancy Brawley provided a few reasons. They include poor management, slow retail sales in general, the fact that downtown malls are not welcomed in general, and the internal problems of the management firms, such as bankruptcy and down-sizing. Ms. Nancy Brawley added that the malls in Ottawa downtown are doing well because Ottawa downtown possesses many positive elements and the synergy. Ms. Nancy Brawley then presented the Downtown Neighbourhood Initiatives Award to David Gowland for his development of the brochure, "Living Downtown in Kitchener's Heritage Neighbourhoods". The award is made of a brick that was taken from the former Sauder's site to symbolize the rebuilding of the downtown using its established strength. Councillor Daren Redman complemented everyone involved in putting on the Celebrating Our Successes Event. 5. RECORD EDITORIAL MEETING David Gowland and a few other Committee members including Michelle Morissetti, Martin de Groot and Lillian Kehl met with the Kitchener Waterloo Editorial Board and discussed the projection of Kitchener downtown through the use of language and photographs in the media. The representatives -34- brought a few positive as well as negative examples to the meeting to show the board that readers do remembers and are influenced by both types of report. The examples also served to prove how the subtle and unnecessary use of negative words and photographs can send a strong destructive massage that the downtown is unsafe. In one example, a photograph of a swat team pointing a gun at a youth was printed in the front page. In this example, the story was sensationalized by the photograph when in fact it was a very minor matter. Another example showed that a downtown business was unnecessarily mentioned in a murder report. The business and the downtown's reputation were thereby indirectly damaged. The purpose of the meeting was to raise awareness of the use of language and photographs in the media, especially take caution in avoiding the use of unnecessarily destructive language on the downtown. The team also showed to the board the significant number of downtown businesses that advertise through the Kitchener Waterloo Record to remind them that their business is at stake as well. It seems apparent that downtown Kitchener is the only downtown in the Region that gets sensational negative coverage. Ms. Lillian KeN remarked that the Record has started to report more downtown events in the last few years and that is an improvement. Mr. Martin de Groot expressed that the Record should know that their practice of discrediting Kitchener downtown has caused hostility of downtown residents and businesses towards the Record. On the other hand, the Record does encourage readers to write to the paper their opinions and feedback. Ms. Marianne Wasilka disagreed that the media should be discouraged to report true stories in order to avoid media damage. Ms. Nancy Brawley explained that the downtown community has never asked the media to avoid reporting the truth, but statistics have proved clearly that Kitchener downtown is not any more unsafe than the other areas of the city. The downtown community is demanding a balanced approach. Crimes and problems take place everywhere. It is unfair to single out Kitchener downtown as a particularly unsafe place and indirectly create a connection between the downtown and crime. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic echoed Ms. Brawley's comment that problems take place everywhere. Common issues should be dealt with at a general level. Singling out the downtown is unconstructive. Mr. David Corks added that the media should be appraised when it does report positively. Mr. David Gowland concluded that the meeting ended in positive terms, but no subsequent meeting has been arranged. -3S- Ms. Nancy Brawley reminded Mr. Gowland that the KDBA maintains a record of all the newspaper clippings should the team need them. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic thanked Kitchener This Week for its strong support. He also asked the reporter in attendance to reflect to the management of Kitchener This Week the Committee's appreciation for their support. Ms. Nancy Brawley added that the media has made an assertive effort over the last two years to improve the coverage related to the downtown, but they should still be encouraged to make further improvement. 6. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN CONTEST - Pegg'V Walshe Ms. Peggy Walshe reported that two meetings had been held to discuss the idea of a downtown contest and how it should be done. The team concluded the program should be portable and one that can be used repeatedly. The team suggested that downtown businesses and the general public be approached to identify the positive elements in the downtown, e.g. what is the best in Downtown Kitchener, or what are your five favoured things? Then local artisans can transform those ideas into art form. The last step would be the contest itself. The team felt that ideas would be better imprinted on people's minds when they are expressed in the visual art form. Councillor Karen Redman suggested that downtown businesses provide the prizes, and that the contest be held in conjunction with existing high profile downtown events. Ms. Nancy Brawley noted that Bryan Stortz will try to get approval from the management of Kitchener This Week to use the paper as the media to advertise the contest. CHYM Country 5 will do the electronic reporting. The team will keep the committee updated on the progress of the initiative. Ms. Nancy Brawley asked if the art community would be interested in participating in the initiative, Me. Martin de Groot replied positively. 7. UPDATE ON REALTY PROJECT - David Gowland Mr. David Gowland reported that he had spoken with the sales staff of Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty about marketing downtown properties. They were interested in the idea but admitted that they never thought of the downtown as a friendly environment as projected by the brochure. It will take some time before effect can be shown because of the current negative image the downtown -36- has. The K-W Real Estate Board was scheduled to meet in the previous week but the meeting was cancelled because of the storm. Murray Diegel, President of the KW Real Estate Board planned to make a presentation on the downtown brochure at the meeting. Murray Diegel showed enthusiasm and supports of the idea of holding a "downtown open house blitz". Ms. Nancy Brawley said that a realtor told her that he started to get much better response to his open houses in the downtown area. In other words, the image is improving. Ms. Marianne Wasilka suggested that the issue of zoning not be ignored while other promotion efforts are being made. Councillor Karen Redman asked Ms. Marianne Wasilka to clarify if she was suggesting that zoning information be provided to the public, Ms. Marianne Wasilka replied yes. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic commented that the intent of the brochure is to raise potential buyers' attention on downtown properties, to encourage them to consider downtown while they are house searching. Nevertheless, all the other issues, such as location of schools, zoning and traffic are important issues, and buyers are not to be persuaded to ignored them. Deborah Budd agreed with Councillor Vrbanovic. Mr. Martin de Groot felt that the zoning and other issues are important information, but he did not think that those types of information should be included in the brochure. Ms. Lillian Kehl suggested that the promotional idea of having university students renovate a mn-down house and then sell tickets to raffle offthe house should be considered. Ms. Sybil Frenette remarked that zoning information should not be put in the brochure because zoning varies from one property to another; however, she believed that zoning information should be clearly articulated to real estate brokers. It is also very important that real estate brokers interpret zoning in a positive manner. For example, many downtown neighbourhoods are zoned "multiple uses" to allow flexibility, and that type of zoning is often interpreted by realtors as a negative factor because it allows non-residential uses which cause some buyers a sense of insecurity. Councillor Karen Redman suggested that action be taken to ensure that zoning information is communicated to realtors, perhaps the Planning Department could consider providing another seminar to the real estate community on zoning. Mr. Brock Stanley agreed with Councillor Redman that zoning information should be clearly introduced to realtors. Many zoning by-laws have been revised recently. It would be a very good idea -37- to introduce those relatively new by-laws to realtors. Both Ms. Sybil Frenette and Ms. Lillian Kehl felt that because of the new wave of home business, zoning that only allows residential or single use is impractical and outdated. Mr. David Gowland volunteered to bring to Murray Diegel the idea of introducing zoning regulations to realtors. Councillor Karen Redman suggested that the flexibility that multi-use zoning allows be stressed as a positive factor. A few members suggested the idea of show-casing good residential news, for example, publish encouraging stories about how mn-down heritage homes can be renovated into beautiful homes at a low purchase price. The existing community can also offer to help new comers. 8. OUTDOOR PATIOS ON DOWNTOWN SIDEWALLS - Patricia McPherson-Bacon A staff report titled, "Outdoor Patios on Downtown Sidewalks, PD96/18" was circulated with the last set of minutes. The report contains detailed information of how the Cities of Windsor and Kingston regulate their outdoor patios. Mrs. Patricia McPherson-Bacon gave a presentation on the report. The main issues are aesthetics, dress code and patron behaviour. Other issues include legal liability and the widths of the sidewalks and the roads. Kitchener currently uses an encroachment agreement to regulate the operation of outdoor patios that encroach on public properties (side walks). Kitchener does not charge the restaurant for the use of public land and the team does not encourage a fee. Aesthetics, in particular the type of fencing and furniture, was the most controversial issue. A long discussion took place around how to ensure the aesthetics while not over-regulating and prohibiting creativity. The City staff team showed two products that were recommendable. One was a wrought iron fence made by Iron Eagle; the other was a tube form made by Hauser. The costs of these products ($250- $300 per 8 foot section) are much higher than chain link fencing ($80-$90 per 8 foot section). Chain link fencing is one of the cheapest options but is very aesthetically unpleasing. Mr. David Gowland asked if the City could manufacture the fences and them lease them to restaurant owners. Mr. Terry Boutilier replied that the Public Works Department could, if necessary, produce fences, but the quality and price would not be competitive enough to make it worthwhile. He -38- suggested that the KDBA take on that role (option 5 on page 3 of the report). Since outdoor patios are only used in the summer months, fencing and furniture costs have to be economical enough to make the operation of patios financially viable. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic supported the idea of charging a fee for the encroachment and use that revenue to buy fences. The fences could then be leased to the businesses in the summer. The City could maintain the fences and store them in the winter months. A revolving fund could be developed. This idea allows the City to have control over the appearance of the fences while making the operation of outdoor patios more financially attractive to businesses. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic added that while new regulations/ measures would be imposed, it is important to allow existing ones to operate with existing fences because they already received approval and invested in the existing fences, with the exception of chain link fencing. Ms. Nancy Brawley stated that the KDBA did not have the resources to run such a programme. Therefore, option 5 on page 3 of the report is infeasible. She further recommended that a mechanism be put in place to spell out rules if businesses are to be allowed to choose their own fencing so that the aesthetics can be maintained. Mr. Terry Boutilier did not recommend over-regulating. Mrs. Patricia McPherson-Bacon suggested that if a design guideline was to be developed, it should be done before the summer arrives. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic suggested the City provides a few options of fencing. This approach allows some flexibility while controlling the type of fencing. Mr. Brock Stanley pointed out that there was not enough time this year to develop and implement Councillor Vrbanovic's recommendation. He then asked Ms. Lesley MacDonald if more regulations could be put in the encroachment agreement. Ms. Lesley MacDonald replied that the agreement has to be approved by Council and there are fewer council meetings in the summer months. The authority of staffis limited to safety issues. Ms. Nancy Brawley responded that the existing agreements do not specify aesthetic details. The agreement was that the businesses would voluntarily make the fencing and furniture appealing. Apparently, some of them did not live up to their promise. The most unappealing example is the chain link fencing. Some of them tried to improve the appearance with limited attempt. She was concerned that the same problem would occur if the requirements were not spelt out clearly. It was suggested that chain link fence be specifically prohibited, but it was decided that that alone would not eliminate the aesthetic issue. -39- Mr. Robert Braun suggested that there be an approval process prior to construction. He felt that fencing has the same effect as flags, it is the first thing that tourists see. Poor fencing could easily damage the image of the downtown. Ms. Lesley MacDonald added that the issue of fencing had come up last year. Council decided to allow those businesses to maintain the status quo. Moreover, fencing is only one of the many issues. Ms. Nancy Brawley said that one of the biggest problems other than aesthetics was the fact that alcohol was by far the main thing that was served in the outdoor patios. She asked if it would be possible to regulate through the encroachment agreement the portion of alcohol served in relation to the amount of food served. Ms. Lesley MacDonald answered that the City could not regulate in that manner. Any restaurants with a liquor license can serve alcohol and are eligible to operate an outdoor patio. In terms of dress code and patron behaviour, the City's authority is limited. Controlling patrons' behaviour is the business owners' responsibility. Those two issues would always exist. Moved by Councillor Berry Vrbanovic. Seconded by Peggy Walshe. That (the City) requires, through the Encroachment Agreement, the installation of a sign on the patio which reads: "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service." And, That a condition be included in the encroachment agreement that if patron behaviour is a problem the licensee will have to hire security. Carried. The City can only regulate the operation of outdoor patios when the business encroaches on City properties. Moved by Councillor Karen Redman. Seconded by Councillor Berry Vrbanovic. That all applicants who wish to operate an outdoor patio on City property must submit a complete Patio Sketch Plan to the City Finance and Administration Committee outlining the fencing to be used including type, style, colour and materials understanding that chain link fencing is not an approved option. In addition, the Patio Sketch Plan must show the types, styles, colours and materials of patio furniture; signage and any landscaping including flowerbeds and planters. Carried. Ms. Lesley MacDonald added that the Finance Committee can put conditions in the agreement, but the conditions have to be applied universally. 9. KDBA REPORT - Nancy Brawle¥ Ms. Nancy Brawley reported that the Celebrating Downtown Success Event was successful. It was the best meeting of that type ever held. The KDBA Annual Meeting is coming up. More information will be provided at a later date. Vanessa Jacobs has left the KDBA, the agency was conducting interviews for the position. The Regional Business Improvement Areas Meeting was held on February 28, 1996. Other BIAs admire the success that Kitchener downtown has accomplished and the present of political will to improve the area. A few new businesses are opening soon. They include La Costa Restaurant, Hollywood Diner and Diner Jacqueline, to name a few. The Transportation Study Public Meeting went well. The study suggests that the Queen-Benton- Frederick connection would not cost more than what was planned. The study will be submitted to Council on April 1, 1996. Robert Braun announced Braun's Bicycle and Fitness is one of the five local businesses that have been nominated for the 4th Annual Retailer of the Year Award presented by the Kitchener-Waterloo Sales and Ad Club in recognition of their outstanding services, advertising, merchandising and community involvement. The result will be announced on March 18, 1996. 10. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Brock Stanley presented a staffreport titled "City Initiated Revision to Downtown Zones- Revised Parking Regulations, PD 95/130" that deals with parking requirements in the downtown area. The report will be brought to Council. One of the recommendations presented by the Mayor's Task Force was to exempt development within the downtown from parking requirements. Please see the enclosed report for details. Ms. Marianne Wasilka asked if members in attendance could be compensated for parking and child care. Currently, parking passes are provided for members in attendance; however, there is no provision for child care expenses. Members should note that it is generally acceptable for members to bring their children to the meeting. Ms. Wasilka was also interested in learning more about Kitchener Housing Inc. -41- It was decided that while housing in general is an issue in the downtown, Kitchener Housing is only one of the organizations that might develop housing in the downtown. It would not be necessary to introduce Kitchener Housing exclusively to the DAC. Mr. Brock Stanley and Ms. Sybil Frenette agreed to provide an overview of the housing issues at the next meeting. Ms. Lillian further stressed that the idea of show casing the advantages and positive examples of downtown living should be seriously considered. She also suggested that idea of show casing home garden or a home garden contest/festival. Mr. David Gowland reported that LACAC is currently preparing recommendations regarding changes at Victoria Park. The report will be ready in May. It was suggested that a presentation could be made to the Committee on this matter. Mr. Martin de Groot suggested that the professionals in the academic community could form a coalition. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m. Catherine Heal Acting Committee Secretary March 11, 1996 741-2301 Members of the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee will be held on THIJRSDAY~ April 11~ 1996 in the Conestoga Room on the 1st floor, City Hall, 200 King Street West commencing at 8:30 a.m. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Approval of Agenda - April 11, 1996 Approval of Minutes - March 7, 1996 Update Downtown Action Team - Sybil Frenette Overview of Housing Issues in The Downtown - Sybil Frenette Update on Downtown Contest - Peggy Walshe Update on Realty Project - David Gowland Update on Outdoor Patios on Downtown Sidewalks - Brock Stanley KDBA Report - Nancy Brawley Discussion on Downtown Home Show Case Renovated Downtown Home Raffle New Business Respectfully submitted, Catherine Heal, Acting Committee Secretary Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee C~ Members of Council S. Frenette Mayor's Office (1) J. Witmer Members of Management Comm. T.B. Stanley B. Arnot G. Nixon D. Corks T. McCabe T. Boutilier L. MacDonald Press (2)2